Liverpool’s Dutch midfield maestro looks almost certain to depart Anfield for pastures new in the summer. It will be a sad farewell but one tinged with some optimism. The Reds will be losing Wijnaldum at age where he will be turning thirty and on the cusp of an inevitable decline.
It will give the club the opportunity to replace Wijnaldum with a younger and better option.
One player the Reds might consider purchasing could be from a familiar location.
The Reds have notoriously targeted various Red Bull players in the past. From Mane, Keita to Minamino.
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With the similarity in playing style, it’s an easy option for Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool will lose Georginio Wijnaldum.
And one of the best players to replace Georginio Wijnaldum could be 22 year old Malian midfielder Amadou Haidara.
Haidara resembles the Dutchman closely. He’s energetic, excellent at bombing forward with the ball, and contrary to Wijnaldum, Haidara also has a deft and powerful shot on him. A trait he demonstrated to perfection when he netted against Manchester United in the Champions League earlier this season.
Haidara once described Steven Gerrard as one of his idols growing up and there are similar traits of the Malian when it comes to shooting style.
He’s also technically gifted, and likes to put in his defensive shift which Jurgen Klopp will admire.
The hard-work rate and willingness to learn was revealed by Amadou Haidara’s youth coach Mamadou Wad speaking to First Time Finish.
Mamadou Wad said the following:
"‘From a young age, Amadou was very determined, he never ever gave up. Even when the exercises were very difficult. He said: “Coach don’t worry I will finish this exercise and I will do it.” And in the end he always did.After breakfast at 6:30 in the morning he went straight to the field before all the players and started to work. He had a huge love for football and he was very confident in himself.’"
Those words should be music to Michael Edwards and Jurgen Klopp’s ear.
It’s exactly the type of midfielder the Reds need to bolster their options. The club are also interested in Yves Bissouma who came through the same academy system as Amadou Haidara, but the RB Leipzig midfielder could be the better and more offensive option.
Haidara’s versatility could also come in handy. Just like Wijnaldum he is capable of playing in various midfield roles as well as on the wing or as a full-back.
The move would be a no brainer. Only the price-tag could provide an obstacle with RB Leipzig unlikely to be willing to let one of their key players leave.
Would you like to see the Reds sign Amadou Haidara?